yet another newb with a question

Hello! new cpapie here. I started on the machine a month ago and love it but have some questions.

I should say the sleep study showed I had 70 apneas an hour and my blood oxygen at 84%.

The DME set me up with an optilife mask and a 7 pressure. I did great at first, had 27.1 on the leak but 8.1 on the apnea index. Started having trouble with marathon naps and not feeling well.

Talked to the doc. DME came back out reread my study and decided it should be set at 12 and gave me a comforlite mask. apnea index went down to 3.1 but now my system leak is up to 34. Also began having lots of trouble with leaks from my mouth (like if I could just put some duct tape there it would solve the problem!)

Called DME again, told them I have allergy and asthma problems(my doc is a pulmonary doc in an allergy clinic not sure how they could have missed that LOL). So they put me on a respironics comfort lite FF mask. I like it but wake up with squeaks and leakage and end up taking it off and putting on the optilife.

Now my system leak is 40 this morning. Any good suggestions on how to get the leak number down??


gillian

I'm working on ironing out what I think may be a leak problem with my Opus 360 I've been using a few weeks. I don't know for sure if its coming out from the mask, or my mouth.

I'm about to record a full weeks data with my mouth taped closed, to look for an improvement. I use a 1 1/2" white paper surgical tape I found in the first aid section at Wallgreens. I've done it before and it's not a difficult as it sounds. I prefer that approach to a full face mask right now....because it seems full face masks can be hard to seal....and a nasal mask I had tore up the bridge of my nose.

I have very stuffy sinus from allergies, and the only way I can use the tape is with a combination of Tyrtec D and the nasal spray below, but this works.

Another approach would be to try using Mac's silicone ear plugs, rolled into little worms and placed where you have a mask leak.

Be sure to note from the post above at all masks have an intentional exhaust "leak" rate to start with, and the rates vary per mask.

Good luck....and most important keep it up till you're happy....Georgio

Fortomorrow's link leads you to finding information on how to find out what the normal leak rate is for your mask.

Also, make certain your skin is clean and dry when masking up so moisture creams or other like products don't disturb the seal. Make certain the mask is clean and dry as well. If it leaks in a certain spot, some have used silicone ear plugs to help mask leaks.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=35532&p=305240&hili ... ak#p305240

Best wishes!

Thanks guys. I did a search but obviously didnt do a very good one! I read both links and they helped alot. Thanks for being patient!

gillian

quiltnwilli wrote:Thanks guys. I did a search but obviously didnt do a very good one! I read both links and they helped alot. Thanks for being patient!

gillian

No problem at all! Sometimes, especially if we're tired it's nice to have someone be able to find something for us or help in some way. The forum reminds me of a family, when one family member isn't feeling well, is tired, or down there's another to help and everyone gets their turn. You'll also be a resource for others here.